Cats and dogs, like humans, often get stressed and need a place to lay their head. Finding pet beds that suit your little friend is an important task, as cats and dogs have a lot of similar sleeping habits and levels of comfort. The best thing to do is to observe your pet for a few nights and see where they spend the most time to relax. From there, you should be able to figure out what kind of bed would be a great fit.
Once you have a fully relaxed pet, you’ll no doubt have a much happier friend.
Dogs in general will sleep for 12 or more hours a day. More energetic dogs, working dogs, and service dogs may sleep less while large dogs tend to sleep more. Bored dogs will sleep more, and both age extremes, young and old, tend to sleep longer. While dogs sleep more than we do they also sleep much lighter than we do. Some believe it is an adaption from the wild, sleeping long and light saves their energy until something wakes them and they will be ready for the chase. Wolves may hunt, but they have nothing against dinner walking into their midst either.
You will often see dogs circle before they lie down. This is an instinctual habit that in the wild would tromp down grass and weeds to make a soft and hidden nest in tall prairies. Some dogs will claw and pull at their bedding, in simulation of preparing a spot in a den for sleep. When they do lie down they wake easily except for a small percentage of time that they are in REM sleep. REM or Rapid Eye Movement indicates deep sleep and is the time when we dream. While some scientist claim to be unsure whether or not dogs dream, those of us that own and love dogs know that they do. When in REM sleep dogs can be difficult to wake and will be more disoriented when aroused from this state.
A word of warning here. When a dog is awoken suddenly at any time, but especially from deep REM sleep, they may act aggressively until they get their bearings. Be very cautious about waking a dog and never shake them awake, be sure to teach your children this as well. While the most gentle of dogs can be awoken this way many times with no problem there is always the chance that they will snap in self defense if startled. Wake your dog by softly calling its name and if needed raising your voice until it wakes. It is safer for you and less stressful for your dog.
It is important that your dog have a bed of its’ own. This will become its’ haven. A safe, comfortable, place to go when tired or if it simply wants to be left alone. It is best not to disturb your dog when it is in bed, increasing its’ since of security in its’ own space. Even if you choose to let your dog sleep with you at night, it should have a bed of its’ own during the day.
Dogs do not have the same sleeping pattens we do. Respect the differences in the way they sleep and both you and your Fur Person will be happier and healthier.
O’donnel Industries, manufactures of the Snoozer brand line of pet products, is a wonderful example of an American company. They established their business in Anderson, South Carolina in 1985 and are now located in Greenville, South Carolina. A small company, they have found great success by producing the finest quality pet beds available. The owners and employees are very proud of their “American Made” label and the fact that their products are marketed at a very reasonable price.
Since it’s founding the “Snoozer” brand has stood for quality. So much so that a Snoozer brand dog bed was used in the first Bush White House. The Royal Blue color of the bed matched the White House USA Seal color motif. The President and Mrs. Bush found the beds to be of such fine quality and reasonable price that they ordered a second dog bed for the White House and these beds were placed if full view, not put off in a corner somewhere.
Snoozer beds are comfortable, durable, and beautiful. They are available in over 20 colors and patterns, many styles, and at various price levels. You can have the same quality and style as a President and your Fur Person can have the same comfort as a President’s dog. A quality bed will give your years of use and provide extra support and comfort for your precious pet.
When it comes to sleeping preferences dogs are as individual as people. Some like sleeping on their side. Some prefer to sleep on their stomachs. Some like to stretch out. Some to curl up tight against something. If your dog has been a member of your family for more than six months or so, you probably have a pretty good idea how your Fur Person sleeps.
If your precious pet likes to curl up in the corner of the couch or likes to lay against something then they most likely would enjoy a bolster bed of their own. A good thickly padded bolster bed is very comfortable for your dog. The side bolster will make your dog feel safe and secure, as if they were in a den like their ancestors used, minus the cover which some dogs do not like. They also tend to help keep your dog warmer.
Just be sure to buy a good quality bed. A quality bed will be more comfortable for your pet, easier to clean and will pay for the higher initial cost in time because it will have a longer useful life than a cheaper bed. Some very reasonably priced beds can be purchased just like fine furniture, ordered from a wide selection of fabrics to match your home and taste. Buy the smallest bed that your dog can stretch out in, just in case they choose too. Just like us, a dog occasionally likes a different position from what is usual for them. Also remember that it is always better to buy a bed that is somewhat too big than to get a bed your pet cannot fit into.
So, buy a bed that matches your dogs sleeping preferences, buy a quality bed and finally if you can buy a bed that fits with your home decor. It will be rewarding for you and your pet.
When I took my dog to the vets a few weeks ago, I found out that part of the reason why he was so lethargic was because he was lacking sleep and that his bed wasn’t comfortable enough. After doing some research online, and getting some suggestions from my vet, I found that bolster dog beds are perfect for dogs with the lack-of-comfort condition that my dog has.
Since purchasing it, he’s been sleeping soundly at night with problem and now we can go back to having our normal care-free fun.